News

A Note from the Executive Director

By Anne B. Pope, Executive Director –

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Yesterday, June 10, was the Tennessee Arts Commission’s final quarterly meeting for the 2015 fiscal year; it had a very full agenda and ended the year with success. Per the norm for the June meeting, the focus was on grant funding. The board voted to approve the FY2016 budget and grants, allowing for grant award announcements to be made on or before July 1.

As most of you know, the Commission is governed by a 15-member board appointed by the Governor. Each one of the Commissioners brings so much to the table–their individual expertise, wisdom and dedication. It is because of their commitment to Tennessee and the arts that the Commission can continue to make investments through the arts and culture in all 95 counties. On behalf of the staff, I would like to say thank you to each one of the Commissioners for their time and service, and especially to Patsy W. Camp this year’s chair.

There are three Commissioners who will be completing their five-year terms of service on June 30–Donna Chase, Ed Gerace and Chancellor Carol McCoy. All of them leave big shoes to fill. More will follow about each of them, as well as the announcement of our new executive committee, in the next few weeks.

On Tuesday, June 9, the Commission had the opportunity for a site-visit to Cheekwood and view the current exhibit by Jaume Plensa. If you haven’t seen it, I urge you to make the trip–it is quite impressive. I would like to thank Cheekwood President and CEO Jane O. MacLeod and Chief Curator Jochen Wierich for taking time out of their busy schedules to take us on a tour. It was truly a wonderful experience for all of us.